Building Materials

The only materials found on the Galapagos that can be used for the construction of buildings are rocks and sand. It is therefore imperative that the non-native materials used are cheap, easily transportable, and durable. The following choices are possible:

--> Steel
--> Concrete
--> Concrete made from a Magnesium-based cement, which is more environmentally-friendly
--> Treated Wood

One option could be to use native rocks held together with an imported mortar.



Sources:

<>Dorst, Jean, Ph.D. "Charles Darwin Research Station, Galapagos, Ecuador."Noticias de Galápagos No.1 July 1963"
http://www.darwinfoundation.org/articles/n0100076301.html


The Environmental Literacy Council. "Cement." October 18, 2004.
http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/1257.php
<>
The Canadian Institute of Treated Wood. "The Facts about Pressure-Treated Wood." September 7, 2004.
http://www.citw.org/using_specifying/residential/ptwfacts.htm